Cardano

Cardano (ADA) was founded in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Ethereum, as a third-generation blockchain platform built on peer-reviewed academic research and formal verification methods. Using the energy-efficient Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Cardano aims to provide a more sustainable and scientifically rigorous approach to blockchain development than its predecessors.

The Cardano ecosystem centers around its native ADA token, which enables staking rewards for network validators, and a growing collection of decentralized applications following the launch of smart contract functionality through the Alonzo upgrade. The platform emphasizes interoperability, sustainability, and scalability while supporting DeFi protocols, NFT projects, and identity solutions across emerging markets, particularly in Africa through partnerships with governments and educational institutions.

At CoinDesk, we provide comprehensive Cardano news coverage tracking the platform's methodical development approach, major protocol upgrades, and real-world adoption initiatives. Our reporting covers everything from staking developments and DeFi growth to Cardano's unique governance model and expanding partnerships in developing nations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Finance

AI agents becoming more relevant than humans by 2035 has Big Tech 'terrified', says Hoskinson

The founder and CEO of Cardano’s Input Output said Google, Amazon and Facebook are terrified because AI agents will not behave like humans when confronted with ads.

By Olivier AcunaMay 6, 2026

Tech

Cardano builder seeks smaller funding slice of $46.8 million for scaling and Bitcoin DeFi

The engineering organization behind Cardano submitted nine proposals totaling $46.8 million for the 2026 voting cycle, down from $97.5 million last year.

By Shaurya MalwaApr 23, 2026

Tech

Charles Hoskinson’s $200 million bet: Midnight goes live to tackle crypto’s biggest flaws

The Cardano founder argues crypto is too public, complex and risky for mainstream use and is backing a privacy-focused network to change that.

By Olivier AcunaMar 30, 2026

Charles Hoskinson is being interviewed in the media center during Consensus Hong Kong 2026

Markets

Cardano price indicator that once preceded a 300% rally is back

Two historically contrarian indicators are flashing simultaneously for ADA, with average holders deeply underwater and derivatives traders piling into the most aggressive short positioning in nearly three years.

By Shaurya MalwaMar 25, 2026

Arrow pointing upwards. PublicDomainPictures/Pixabay)

Markets

Privacy-focused Midnight blockchain to go live next month, says Cardano's Charles Hoskinson

Input Output Global's Founder Charles Hoskinson said Midnight, the long-awaited privacy-focused blockchain, will launch in the final week of March as a partner chain to Cardano.

By Omkar GodboleFeb 12, 2026

Markets

Cardano's Charles Hoskinson reveals $3 billion unrealized loss in crypto rout

He stressed long-term commitment, prioritizing the development of decentralized systems over short-term price fluctuations.

By Francisco Rodrigues, AI BoostFeb 7, 2026

Policy

Charles Hoskinson slams Trump’s crypto policy as 'extractive,' warns of industry fallout

Cardano founder says Trump’s actions have politicized crypto and alienated half the country.

By Aoyon Ashraf, Jennifer SanasieJan 12, 2026

Markets

XRP and Cardano need to prove they're useful beyond just fans, Mike Novogratz says

Can Ripple and Cardano hold it together as the market matures to fundamental-focused projects, Galaxy's Novogratz asked Friday.

By Omkar Godbole, AI BoostDec 29, 2025

Mike Novogratz, Founder and CEO, Galaxy Digital. (CoinDesk)

Markets

Cardano Ecosystem Gets a Privacy Boost as Midnight’s NIGHT Goes Live

The network uses a dual-state architecture that separates public and private data while allowing controlled disclosure to auditors, institutions or counterparties.

By Shaurya MalwaDec 11, 2025